1946 Al Simmons Single-Signed Ball

Baseball single-signed and inscribed by legendary Hall of Fame outfielder Al Simmons in 1946. Simmons has signed and inscribed the ball in black ink (grading “8/9”) on a side panel, “To Buddy Ziegler From Al Simmons.” Ideally, although the inscription portion sits upon the side panel, Simmons’ signature appears almost entirely on the sweet spot and the ball displays particularly well as an almost-centered on the sweet spot signature. Simmons has added the date, “Aug 22, 1946,” on the adjacent side panel. Simmons was a coach with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1946. Despite the fact that we know little about the circumstances of the signing of this ball, based upon the date we know that it was signed in Philadelphia. On August 22, 1946 the Athletics played host to the Cleveland Indians at Shibe Park and defeated the Tribe 8-6. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1953, Simmons passed away just three years later. Single-signed Simmons balls are particularly rare and the offered ball represents an outstanding mid-grade example. The ball is darkly toned (no manufacturer’s labels are visible) and displays a few minor abrasions. Vg. This is a very rarely offered tough single. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $300. Estimate $500/$1,000.SOLD FOR $2,232.50

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